Important information

This site uses cookies to store information on your computer. By continuing to use our site, you consent to Steel Media's
privacy policy.

Steel Media websites use two types of cookie: (1) those that enable the site to function and perform as required; and (2) analytical cookies which anonymously track visitors only while using the site. If you are not happy with this use of these cookies please review our Privacy Policy to learn how they can be disabled. By disabling cookies some features of the site will not work.

PROS

CONS

Frustrating visual bug that locks a card in front of the playing field until you force-quit the App.

Poor menu design and tutorial descriptions.

VERDICT

Piercing the leathery hide of Necronomicon's gameplay isn't easy and for some the rewards for persistence may be worthwhile, but it's clear that more work is needed to smooth things out.

Full Review

App Store Info

Like many others around the world, I have a passion for the work of H.P. Lovecraft and while his work has long since entered in to cliche for the horror genre, a giddy little shiver of glee always tingles down my spine when the Mythos is used in various media. Necronomicon by Lucidsphere Media attempts to bottle some of this blood-freezing terror in the form of a card game, however players are more likely to lose their sanity attempting to understand what to do instead of at the hands of some Elder-god.

After muting the insanely irritating background whispering in the tutorial menu, it was hard to understand the shape of Necronomicon and how it worked without blundering in to a game to learn through trial and error. Players are essentially given the task of overseeing two separate games, with the card-game acting as a method to earn points for your final score and to generate turns for the board-game. At any time a player has turns available, they can help their explorers to search the Miskatonic University for artifacts and additional adventurers to 'end' the current game. Cards are drawn one at a time and 'investigators' are pitted against the dark-spawn of the universe while tempting fate with various artifacts and treasures that can boost their psychic and physical defenses.

Conceptually, Necronomicon isn't a terribly bad game and the ability to unlock additional cards that feature amazing Mythos artwork acts as a great motivator. However the dense and confusing 'tutorial' makes learning the game harder than it should be and poor menu choices obscure things even further as you attempt to divine how to proceed.

Necronomicon is a serviceable board-game, but far from elegant and lacking in approachability, more thanks to a lack of a real tutorial and useful interface options. Mythos fans may scrape some enjoyment out of the gnarled and chitinous shell of this game, but it's unlikely to win over casual gamers at this time.

Description

!!!ON SALE FOR .99 FOR A LIMITED TIME!!!

The Necronomicon Horror is a single-player role-playing and card game of arcane horror and mystery.

Featured by Apple under Games - Adventure/Role-Playing: What's Hot/New & Noteworthy categories on the App Store.

ToppApp Charts:

Ranked Top #8 in Role-Playing Games worldwide on App Store!
Ranked Top #24 in Adventure Games worldwide on App Store!
Ranked Top #121 in Top Games worldwide on the App Store!

*** View new game tutorial for version 1.3 at http:www.lucidspheremedia.com/Necronomicon/necronomicon.html ***

***1st Gen devices NOT supported***

DESCRIPTION:

During a game, players take on the roles of investigators in an attempt to thwart the evil machinations of a sinister cult who have stolen the Necronomicon from Miskatonic Universities library, and have used it to open the gateway to another dimension.

The Necronomicon Horror combines the quick, addictive pace of fantasy card games, combined with the dice-rolling strategy of table-top role-playing games. You can win achievements in the game to unlock new bonus content, and there will be support for downloadable expansions in the future.

Grab your electric torches and revolvers! You’ll take on the role of unlikely investigators swept up in a battle against cosmic horrors. With the help of allies, weapons, forbidden knowledge, strategy, and a few twists-of-fate, you’ll attempt to stop the minions of Cthulhu from invading our world.

The Necronomicon Horror features over 100 beautifully designed cards--created by a ‘dream team’ of talented artists who have worked for some of the biggest movie, book publishing, and game studios in the world.

The Necronomicon Horror will contain the following key features:

* An evolving game setting based on the pulp horror fiction of H.P. Lovecraft.
* Hours of game play – a different game and outcome every time you play.
* Outstanding artwork and production values. Play with a deck of over 100+ stunning cards.
* The fast-paced, addictive game play of RPG and Collectible Card Games, play on-the-go, anywhere!
* Free Bonus Content can be unlocked during the game. Expand your deck by winning new cards.

The Necronomicon Horror is a solo player adventure designed to be played in 10 to 20 minute sanity-bending intervals. During a typical game you’ll play using an 100+ card deck, drawing various investigators, monsters, treasures, weapons, relics, pitfalls, story cards, and special ability cards, which are all scripted to interact with each other in strategic ways. Your goal is to keep your investigators alive to defeat a Monster invasion which threatens all of Arkham.

Like most trading card and role-playing games, the outcome is driven by an exciting interplay of chance, skill, and strategy.

Players will have the option of purchasing future booster decks to expand the game, and ‘collect’ new and rare cards by winning achievements and high scores.

Lucidsphere Media Games Studio developed The Necronomicon Horror as an innovative way to experience the compulsive fun of horror role-playing and collectible card games on Apple's iOS devices.